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Thanks Mel!

flytoboat

Well Known Member
**Disclaimer** This post is not intended to rekindle flames from old debates, but is one man's thought process to a final decision.

I have been thinking about the nosewheel/tailwheel debate in my head for several months and couldn't quite make the final decision. My gut tells me that probably the most sensible thing for me would be to build an "A" model. There is also a part of me that would like to say I fly a tailwheel. Since I have never flown in a conventional gear plane, I really have nothing to compare against, but I do believe that the tricycle arrangement is inherently a safer design. Of course the RV "A" model pole-vaulting debate is in the back of my mind also. The bottom line I believe, for either of these arguments is your level of training, technique, and personal preference.
Of course any decision about your airplane should be made with your mission in mind.

So this morning I'm reading a post by Mel in this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=36290
where he says: ?The airplane doesn't know where the landing gear is when it is flying anyway."
I immediately thought that since the airplane doesn't care, why should I? I'm building a flying machine - not a taxiing machine. I think the best plane FOR ME is an A model and will save me time and money (getting tailwheel endorsement & possibly insurance rates)
So Thanks Mel for your (unknowing) help in my making another decision in this seemingly endless decision making process. I hope I can meet you and buy you a beer someday.
 
Your very welcome.

I don't drink beer, but a Coke would work.
I honestly hate to think that I influenced someone to put the tail wheel on the wrong end, but hey, that's why they offer the tri-gear. You should do what's right for YOU!
 
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Nose roller versus tail dragger

I was in the same position 30 months ago. I visited Van's for a tour. One of the Scott's was my escort. He said even though he had lots of tail dragger time, if he built, it would be a nose roller.

That sealed it for me, I have no trail dragger time, why would I even consider one.
 
I was in the same position 30 months ago. I visited Van's for a tour. One of the Scott's was my escort. He said even though he had lots of tail dragger time, if he built, it would be a nose roller.

That sealed it for me, I have no trail dragger time, why would I even consider one.

At some point in your life you never had any tricycle gear time either but you learned to fly one. Taildraggers are not that difficult just look at some of the people that fly them.
 
Macho taildraggers....

Over the years, you may want a REAL taildragger anyway. Something like an Aviat Husky, Cub, or a look a like Cub kit. These are HONEST taildraggers with a real purpose.................such as backcountry landings on rough strips.

These are machines -- that put dinky little RV wheels to shame! :D Afterall, RV wheels are sized for speed, and not weeds & gravel! RV's need tight fitting wheel pants!

So go ahead and build an "A" model. I did! It's more practical, and the reason that most wheels are placed up front these days! You can see over the nose better, worry less about crosswinds, and not have to look at "short squatting wings" from certain angles! :) The nose dragger RV's turn tighter circles on the ground too! :p

And..........be sure to install elec. flaps, electric trims, the biggest engine Van say's; and most of all, a C/S prop! :D I did!

L.Adamson --- RV6A
 
on the wrong end if you don't care about looking cool...:)

IMO---3's, 4's, and 8's need tailwheels. But after all the years of my wife having to sit behind my head on a motorcyle, I wasn't about to do the same in an RV. Side by sides are for company, while tandems are just for passengers doing their own thing.

L.Adamson --- RV6A
 
It's a mater of personal preference

I can fly airplanes with the third wheel on either end, but tailwheel airplanes look and feel more "grass roots" to me. My home field is a beautiful grass strip gliderport in the Appalachain Mountains of Virginia, with airplanes like the Super Cub, J-3, Citabria, and various taildragger towplanes on the field. Consequently, my preference for sport aviation leans strongly toward "conventional" gear aircraft. I'm building an RV-7.

The point is that either version is a matter of personal preference. There is no absolute right or wrong choice, only the right choice for you, based on what you want. There's no need to justify it beyond that.
 
I can fly airplanes with the third wheel on either end, but tailwheel airplanes look and feel more "grass roots" to me. My home field is a beautiful grass strip gliderport in the Appalachain Mountains of Virginia, with airplanes like the Super Cub, J-3, Citabria, and various taildragger towplanes on the field. Consequently, my preference for sport aviation leans strongly toward "conventional" gear aircraft. I'm building an RV-7.

My favorite aircraft of all time, is the North American P-51 Mustang; which I've also had the pleasure of flying in. It's a tailwheel, and I prefer the "D" model.......slider canopy.

But just imagine sticking tailwheel's on the new Cessna Mustang biz jet.............yuck!

L.Adamson --- RV6A
 
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